Survey study, 2011
How common is premenstrual syndrome in Sri Lankan adolescent schoolgirls and how does it affect them?
About 8.75% of Sri Lankan adolescent schoolgirls have premenstrual syndrome. It significantly interferes with school activities, relationships, and daily routines.
What they did
Cross-sectional study of adolescent schoolgirls in government schools of Colombo, Sri Lanka. They completed a modified premenstrual symptom screening tool and were assessed using American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists diagnostic criteria.
What they found
Individual premenstrual symptoms were experienced by 65.7% of the population. The most common somatic symptom was fatigue at 29.9% and the most common emotional symptom was feeling sad or hopeless at 29.6%. Prevalence of PMS was 8.75%. Premenstrual syndrome significantly disturbed school activities, relationships, and daily routines. Only 9.7% sought help from medical practitioners for their symptoms.
What it means for you
Premenstrual symptoms are very common in adolescents, though only a smaller percentage meet full PMS criteria. For those with PMS, the impact on daily life is significant. Most adolescents do not seek medical help for these symptoms. The limitation is this is from one city in one country.
8.75%
Prevalence of PMS
65.7%
Experience any premenstrual symptoms
9.7%
Sought help from medical practitioners
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual syndrome: the experience from a sample of Sri Lankan adolescents
- Authors
- Chandraratne NK, Gunawardena NS
- Journal
- Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology
- Year
- 2011
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None (observational)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2011.05.010
Topics
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